Piazza Navona is a public space/plaza in Rome, Italy. It is built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD, and follows the form of the open space of the stadium. The ancient Romans went there to watch the agones ("games"), and hence it was known as "Circus Agonalis" ("competition arena"). It is believed that over time the name changed to in avone to navone and eventually to navona. Defined as a public space in the last years of 15th century, when the city market was transferred there from the Campidoglio, Piazza Navona was transformed into a highly significant example of Baroque Roman architecture and art during the pontificate of Innocent X, who reigned from 1644 until 1655, and whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphili, faced the piazza. It features important sculptural creations: in the center stands the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or Fountain of the Four Rivers (1651) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, topped by the Obelisk of Domitian, brought in pieces from the Circus of Maxentius; the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone by Francesco Borromini, Girolamo Rainaldi, Carlo Rainaldi and others; and the aforementioned Pamphili palace, also by Girolamo Rainaldi, that accommodates the long gallery designed by Borromini and frescoed by Pietro da Cortona. Piazza Navona has two other fountains. At the southern end is the Fontana del Moro with a basin and four Tritons sculpted by Giacomo della Porta (1575) to which, in 1673, Bernini added a statue of a Moor, wrestling with a dolphin. At the northern end is the Fountain of Neptune (1574) also created by Giacomo della Porta; the statue of Neptune, by Antonio Della Bitta, was added in 1878 to create a balance with La Fontana del Moro. During its history, the piazza has hosted theatrical events and other ephemeral activities. From 1652 until 1866, when the festival was suppressed, it was flooded on every Saturday and Sunday in August in elaborate celebrations of the Pamphilj family. The pavement level was raised in the 19th century, and in 1869 the market was moved to the nearby Campo de' Fiori. A Christmas market is held in the piazza square.
Piazza Navona Tours and Tickets
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Piazza Navona is a public space/plaza in Rome, Italy. It is built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD, and follows the form of the open space of the stadium. The ancient Romans went there to watch the agones ("games"), and hence it was known as "Circus Agonalis" ("competition arena"). It is believed that over time the name changed to in avone to navone and eventually to navona. Defined as a public space in the last years of 15th century, when the city market was transferred there from the Campidoglio, Piazza Navona was transformed into a highly significant example of Baroque Roman architecture and art during the pontificate of Innocent X, who reigned from 1644 until 1655, and whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphili, faced the piazza. It features important sculptural creations: in the center stands the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or Fountain of the Four Rivers (1651) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, topped by the Obelisk of Domitian, brought in pieces from the Circus of Maxentius; the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone by Francesco Borromini, Girolamo Rainaldi, Carlo Rainaldi and others; and the aforementioned Pamphili palace, also by Girolamo Rainaldi, that accommodates the long gallery designed by Borromini and frescoed by Pietro da Cortona. Piazza Navona has two other fountains. At the southern end is the Fontana del Moro with a basin and four Tritons sculpted by Giacomo della Porta (1575) to which, in 1673, Bernini added a statue of a Moor, wrestling with a dolphin. At the northern end is the Fountain of Neptune (1574) also created by Giacomo della Porta; the statue of Neptune, by Antonio Della Bitta, was added in 1878 to create a balance with La Fontana del Moro. During its history, the piazza has hosted theatrical events and other ephemeral activities. From 1652 until 1866, when the festival was suppressed, it was flooded on every Saturday and Sunday in August in elaborate celebrations of the Pamphilj family. The pavement level was raised in the 19th century, and in 1869 the market was moved to the nearby Campo de' Fiori. A Christmas market is held in the piazza square.
Overview
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- The pedestrian-only square is crowded with street performers, so it’s a nice break for families with young kids.
- If you’re joining a walking or bike tour of Rome and Piazza Navona, wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- Piazza Navona is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, though the cobblestones make the terrain a bit bumpy.
- There are plenty of cafés and gelato shops in or near the square, making it the perfect spot for a pick-me-up.
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Accessibility for wheels
- Special Parking
- Access with Portable Ramp
Access for Visually Impaired
- Service animals permitted
Access for Seniors
- Recommended time for visit 2 hours
- Recommended time for visit 1 hour
As you approach the magnificent Piazza Navona in Rome, the bustling energy of the bustling crowds fills the air. The sound of chattering voices and laughter resonates against the ancient stone buildings, creating a symphony of excitement and anticipation.
Walking through the cobblestone streets, the scent of freshly baked pizza and fragrant blooming flowers wafts through the air, teasing your senses and inviting you to explore further. The warm rays of the sun caress your skin, creating a sense of comfort and joy as you make your way towards the heart of the square.
As you step into the Piazza Navona, the sight before you takes your breath away. The grandeur of the fountains and majestic architecture dazzles your eyes, reflecting the golden sunlight and casting a mesmerizing glow over the crowd. The laughter and music blend harmoniously, filling the space with an undeniable sense of celebration and joy.
You feel a sense of wonder and awe as you wander through the bustling market stalls, the vibrant colors of fresh produce and artisan crafts catching your eye at every turn. The lively chatter of the vendors and the excited voices of the shoppers create a lively atmosphere, infusing you with a sense of vitality and energy.
As you pause to admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, you feel a wave of emotion wash over you. The intricate details of the sculptures and the powerful flow of the water evoke a sense of power and movement, leaving you in awe of the artist’s skill and vision.
As the sun begins to set, casting a warm golden light over the square, you find a quiet corner to sit and reflect on your journey. The echoes of the day’s adventures linger in the air, filling you with a sense of contentment and gratitude for the beauty and magic of Piazza Navona.
As you bid farewell to this enchanting place, you carry with you a heart full of memories and emotions, forever touched by the unique moments you experienced in this breathtaking square in the heart of Rome.
At Piazza Navona in Rome, audio descriptive guides are not available. However, the area is open to the public and does not require specific accommodations for visitors with visual impairments.
There are no sensory-friendly hours specified for Piazza Navona, but visitors can explore the area at their own pace and may find it less crowded during certain times of the day.
Piazza Navona is one of the most iconic squares in Rome, known for its beautiful Baroque architecture, charming fountains, and lively atmosphere. Local writers and artists are often drawn to this vibrant square for inspiration and to capture its unique beauty.
One local writer, Alessandra, describes Piazza Navona as a place where history comes alive. She often visits the square to soak in the atmosphere and imagine what life was like in ancient Rome. The grandeur of the fountains and the surrounding architecture never fail to inspire her creativity. Alessandra finds solace in sitting on a bench by the fountain and watching the world go by, weaving stories in her mind as she observes the hustle and bustle of tourists and locals alike.
For local artist Giovanni, Piazza Navona is a paradise for sketching and painting. He is captivated by the play of light and shadow on the ornate facades of the buildings, the intricate details of the sculptures, and the reflections on the water in the fountains. Giovanni often sets up his easel in a quiet corner of the square, capturing the essence of Piazza Navona in his artwork. He finds that the energy of the square seeps into his paintings, infusing them with a sense of vitality and history.
Both Alessandra and Giovanni agree that Piazza Navona is a place where the past and present converge, creating a timeless allure that draws them back time and time again. Whether through words or brushstrokes, they find inspiration in the rich tapestry of art, history, and culture that permeates this enchanting square in the heart of Rome.
Directions and Transportation to Piazza Navona, Rome:
1. By Metro: The closest metro station to Piazza Navona is the "Spagna" station on Line A. From there, it’s approximately a 15-minute walk to reach Piazza Navona.
2. By Bus: Buses 116, 116T, 186, 492, 628, 64, 70, and 87 all have stops near Piazza Navona. Check the local bus schedule for specific routes and stops.
3. By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Rome and can drop you off close to Piazza Navona. Make sure to use a licensed taxi to avoid scams.
4. By Walking: Piazza Navona is located within walking distance of many popular landmarks in Rome, making it a pleasant stroll to reach the square from nearby locations.
Accessibility: Piazza Navona is wheelchair accessible, but as it is a historic site, some areas may have uneven surfaces. Look for designated wheelchair access points and ramps.
Ticket Booking and Discounts for Piazza Navona, Rome:
Piazza Navona is a public square and does not require tickets for entry. However, if you plan to visit nearby attractions such as the Pantheon or Castel Sant’Angelo, check their respective ticketing options and discounts.
Local Amenities at Piazza Navona, Rome:
1. Parking: There are paid parking lots available near Piazza Navona. Consider using public transportation due to limited parking spaces in the area.
2. Restrooms: Public restrooms can be found at nearby cafes, restaurants, or museums. It’s advisable to make a small purchase to use their facilities.
3. Dining Options: Piazza Navona offers a variety of dining options, including cafes, pizzerias, and restaurants. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available at select eateries.
Enjoy your visit to Piazza Navona and make the most of its historical charm and vibrant atmosphere!